General Studies

Lev Tmimim is founded on the principle that every Bochur deserves the full opportunity to grow and learn in an atmosphere of Taharas Hakodesh. This is a commitment that we promise to the parents to try and keep to the best of our ability. As such, the inclusion of Limudei Chol is done under the strict guidance of Chabad Rabbonim and Mashpi’im to ensure that the General Studies curriculum is in line with what is appropriate and useful for a Tomim in the Rebbe’s Yeshiva. We firmly believe that including Limudei Chol not only should not detract from the level of Chassidishkeit and Tahara in the Yeshiva, but on the contrary, there is a greater effort to stress the importance of being a Chosid in every aspect of a Tomim’s day, including through the general studies subjects – בכל דרכך דעהו. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for details about the actual curriculum, or continue reading for more about our perspective in this regard. Our approach is that in reality, all learning in the Yeshiva is Kodesh, and the subjects being taught are part of their training to serve Hashem throughout their lives. This is based on various statements made by the Rebbe on a number of occasions. The Rebbe once said in Yechidus:

Children should be taught to appreciate that everything is connected with the Torah. When they perform an experiment in a science lab, they should know that it is G-d’s creative power that is causing the chemical reactions they observe. There are some, who have two sets of bookshelves, one for Seforim and another for secular books. That is the wrong approach. If a person thinks of secular wisdom as being unrelated to the Torah, he does not understand the Torah, nor does he truly understand the secular subject he is studying. (As told to Rabbi Moshe Feller)

Chol Al Taharas Hakodesh

On other occasions, the Rebbe has made it clear that even general studies should be in the category Taharas Hakodesh when done in the appropriate way, for the right reasons, and with objective guidance. (13 Tammuz, 5742). Although it is known that the Rebbe preferred and spoke very strongly about Yeshivos having only Limudei Kodesh, there are clear statements from the Rebbe that there are times that not only is this appropriate, but there were even occasions when the Rebbeim of Chabad assisted in such schools. (Igros Kodesh 20, pg. 120)

Among the Rebbe’s directives in this regard are:

The day should begin with Limmudei Kodesh. Limudei Chol should be later in the day and for fewer hours than Kodesh (Igros Kodesh 12, pg. 190 and numerous other sources).

If the general studies teacher is not Torah observant then preferably it should be a non Jewish teacher. (Igros Kodesh 15, pg. 171)

During times of vacation from general studies, there should be an increase in Limudei Kodesh (Igros Kodesh 20, pg. 273). As such, Lev Tmimim puts an additional emphasis on Limudei Kodesh during times of Bein Hazmanim, and summers.

Click here for the סדר היום or see below for more details about the curriculum or go back to Home page to read about the the Limudei Kodesh curriculum.

The general studies curriculum is designed to allow the Bochur to learn certain skills and acquire basic knowledge that will both prepare him for the NY State Regents diploma exams, as well as allow him to use this knowledge in the service of his Shlichus and Parnasah in the future. Due to the fact that our Talmidim are coming from a large of variety of Chabad Mosdos, some including General Studies in elementary grades, while others not, we realize that our Talmidim will be starting Mesivta with significant variation in their knowledge and skills.

In order to allow each Talmid to truly succeed in this area, we utilize a very successful model of teaching called Blended Learning. Blended learning utilizes the advantages of having a teacher who is personally involved with the students to help guide them, as well as the advantage of online courses that enable each student to work at their particular level and speed, and focus on the specific subset of skills in any particular subject they are studying. This model is becoming very popular and successful in schools across the country, including many Yeshivos and day schools. Learn more about blended learning here.

This includes 1 credit given for a NY State standardized Regents exam.

3 Credits of Mathematics

Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, or Trigonometry, or other credit equivalent courses.

This includes 1 credit given for a NY State standardized Regents exam.

3 Credits of Science

Life Science, Physical Science, or other credit equivalent courses.

This includes 1 credit given for a NY State standardized Regents exam.

1 Credit of Global History and Geography

This includes 1 credit given for a NY State standardized Regents exam.

1 Credit of US History and Government

This includes 1 credit given for a NY State standardized Regents exam.

In addition to Regents exams taken in the five subjects mentioned in the other tabs, a total of 22 credits are required to qualify for the Regents Diploma as follows. This is achieved by adding the following courses at various times over the course of the Yeshiva years:

Social Studies – 4

Health – 0.5

Arts – 1

Language other than English – 1

Physical Education – 2

Electives – 3.5

In Yeshiva these are included in the various extra curricular subjects we provide including

CPR

Music/Niggunim

Film Making

Computer Programming

1 Credit in Language. Most Bochurim will receive this credit in the Hebrew Language

In order to receive a NY State Regents Diploma, students are also required to participate and recive credit in certain elective subjects. In Yeshiva these are included in the various extra curricular subjects we provide including